One of the most important periods of the religious calendar for Catholics and Protestants alike began Wednesday, March 5, with ashes on the foreheads of the devout.

In the next few weeks, churches and individuals will observe Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual growth. Although many behaviors such as prayer and almsgiving will intensify during the weeks leading up to Easter, self-denial is perhaps the most renowned.

At Christ the King Cathedral School, students are taught from a young age about the practice of Lent and its symbolism, and even students from non-Catholic families are required to participate in the Ash Wednesday Mass.

Sitting around a table in the school library Friday, March 7, students talked about what they're giving up.

For 7-year-olds Emily Roark and Colter Swim, their sacrifice this year will be candy.

"I like candy so much, so I wanted to give it up for Lent because it's bad for your teeth," Colter said.

Colter said he also plans to pray a lot more and read the Bible every night.

Ashlyn Griffin, 11, said she won't be eating chocolate during this Lenten season.

"I gave up chocolate for Lent because I really like it, and I realize Jesus gave up a lot for us," Ashlyn said. "He gave up his life. He was very generous with himself for us."

Though those sacrifices may seem petty to some in light of what Christ endured, Bishop Plácido Rodriguez of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lubbock said they are to be respected.

"They're learning little things at their level of understanding. We cannot belittle them," he said. "If we're older and we're still doing the same things, then I would challenge and say, 'You need to grow up.' "

Rodriguez said adults are charged with putting off sinful behaviors during Lent. He gave the example of gossiping, lying and not doing anything to help the poor.

Christ the King students Daisy Barrientos, 9, and Sarah Wanjura, 17 - both cradle Catholics - have caught on and want to change their lifestyles.

Daisy, who called herself lazy, said she's hoping to change that during Lent while also giving up procrastination and long showers.

Sarah plans to stop procrastinating as well in addition to attending Mass once a week before school and spending extra time in prayer at church.

At Westmont Christian Church, senior minister Wyatt Fenno is asking his church members to be more thoughtful, considerate and aware of others during Lent.

"Our focus this year is not so much about what we would individually choose to give up, but kind of considering what it means for us to repent and return to God with all of our heart," Fenno said. "What I'm encouraging our church to do this season is to observe Lent in this way. Find ways to serve others. Where we are as a church kind of in our journey is thinking about how the example of Jesus Christ invites us to become more thoughtful, more considerate and more aware of others. That's what we're doing."

Rodriguez said Lent stems from Jewish tradition and is talked about in the Bible by John the Baptist, who tells people to fast, to abstain, do penance and pray because the Redeemer is coming.

Easter symbolizes the end of Lent, representing the Redeemer's arrival. But in a way, Lent does not end in 40 days, Rodriguez said. The sinful behaviors Christians put off for the period are not to begin again after Easter.

"We're living in grace, living with God's favor free from sin," Rodriguez said. "Jesus came and offered his entire life for us. You can also see the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem in order that he be scourged and mocked and be condemned to death. ... He freely took up the cross in order to redeem us. He did battle with the devil and then beat him on his own area - in death itself."

Rodriguez said the picture of Christ coming down from heaven and not using his power to escape a life of poverty and a criminal's death shows the humility and deprivation to be emulated during Lent.

"It's a deep, profound reflection," Rodriguez said.

natalie.gross@lubbockonline.com

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